Kyoto Station to Kiyamachi

Kyoto Station - Kiyamachi 京都駅～木屋町

Overview

This ride will start at Kyoto Station - though the map, like all other CycleKyoto maps, begins at City Hall - and wend north to a few places off the beaten trail. First stop is the Yanagihara Bank. It is no longer a bank but now a museum. It was a bank created by and for the city’s outcastes, known as burakumin, who were unable to get loans from other banks. This area has many leather shops, which is a not so subtle sign that you are in a dowa (the current euphemism for the burakumin) area.

From here we head up to Shosei-en Garden, which is fabulous in spring. Shosei-en was originally a retreat of the chief priest Sen'nyo (1602-1658) of Higashi Honganji. The garden itself is thought to have been designed by Ishikawa Jozan and Kobori Enshu in the Edo Period.

The final step on Kiyamachi Dori, a narrow tree lined street that parallels the Takase River. It has many good restaurants and well preserved buildings along the river side.

Yanagihara Bank	Shosei-en Garden

Getting to the Starting Point

Your starting point is Kyoto Station, north side. From downtown, riding due south on Karasuma Dori is the easiest way.

Directions

From the north side of the Station, ride east until you get to Kawaramachi. The light green building on the opposite side of the street is the Yanagihara Bank. From here, ride north on Kawaramachi for several minutes. You will see the walls of Shoseien; the entrance is around on the other side. Your last stop is the Kiyamachi. Ride again up Kawaramchi to Gojo Dori. Turn right towards the Kamo River. At Kiyamachi turn left and head north one block. 

Total Riding Time

1 hour.

More Information

The Bank of Yanagihara Memorial Museum

 
075 371 8220

Entrance Fee: free; open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Public Bath

 
075 821 7200

Entrance Fee: 420 yen

Map

Kyoto Station to Kiyamachi Route

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